Spring Break
Safe Space Program teaches understanding
Shawna Richter
Issue date: 11/29/04 Section: News
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"The program is about safe space for the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered individual," said Hannah Wu, New Hall assistant complex director and coordinator for the Safe Space Program. "Our goal is to teach some counseling skills and to share experiences as well - it is just to reduce discrimination and homophobia on campus."
"A lot of students (at Western) are GBLT and this is another part in reaching out to students," she added. "We hope people take what they learn (here) and spread it - support the community."
As part of this process, the participants were taken through a variety of informational steps. The program started with expectations and goals for the program. These included respect of the learning process, asking questions, demonstrating respect and tolerance for all participants and facilitators, according to Wu.
The goal is "to provide a network of students, staff and faculty committed to providing support to (GBLT) individuals and their allies at WIU and beyond," the Safe Space resource guide states.
"(When the program is completed) you get a physical representation of your support as an ally in a door (decoration)," Wu said, and this shows students the door is open.
The door decoration displays a circle rainbow. Inside there is an upside-down pink triangle and the words "Unity" and "Safe Space."
"At the end of the training, you still have the choice to put the door dec. up," said Dan Maxwell, Student Activities director and faculty adviser for Unity.
Participants were encouraged to understand the role of an ally. In a five-minute exercise, they were asked to "draw an ally," meaning they should describe what qualities an ally should have.
Participants said open-minded, good listener, well informed, supportive, respectful and approachable, among others.
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